US President Donald Trump has triggered international discussion after posting an image on his platform, Truth Social, portraying himself as the “Acting President of Venezuela” starting January 2026. The post, which resembled an official presidential portrait, also listed him as America’s 45th and 47th president.

The statement comes in the wake of a dramatic US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of former president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both were taken to New York, where they are facing charges related to alleged narco-terrorism activities.

Following the operation, the Trump administration announced that the United States would temporarily oversee Venezuela’s transition process, arguing that an uncontrolled power vacuum could further destabilise the country. Trump has publicly said the arrangement would remain in place until a stable political handover is achieved.

In Caracas, Delcy Rodríguez, who previously served as vice president and oil minister, was sworn in as interim leader, a move recognised by domestic institutions. Despite Trump’s online claim, there has been no formal international or legal recognition of him holding any executive role in Venezuela.

Trump has also linked the transition to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, stating that tens of millions of barrels of crude could be marketed through US channels, with proceeds managed by Washington. He has said the funds would be used in a way that benefits both nations and supports Venezuela’s recovery.

The post also carried a warning to regional allies of Caracas, signalling that oil supplies and financial assistance to countries such as Cuba could be halted as part of a broader reset of US policy in Latin America.

While Trump’s declaration has drawn attention online, official records and global reference platforms continue to list Venezuela’s leadership under its interim government, with the US claim remaining political rhetoric rather than a recognised authority.